The Shocking Rise in Energy Theft

Energy theft, an illegal and dangerous activity where individuals tamper with or bypass their energy meters, is rising in the UK.

A sharp increase is a concerning symptom of the broader cost-of-living crisis, which has left many households struggling to afford necessities, including electricity and gas. According to Crimestoppers, reports of energy theft surged by nearly 50% between April 2021 and January 202. Still, the true scale of the issue is likely much larger, with an estimated 250,000 cases going unreported each year.

A Quiet Crisis

The rising cost of energy has been a key driver behind this increase in energy theft. Energy prices skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as demand surged, only to be exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. While prices have recently eased, they remain approximately £400 higher than three years ago, putting immense pressure on British households.

For many families, financial strain has pushed them into fuel poverty. Before the energy crisis, around four million households were considered to be living in energy poverty, but that number has since grown to 5.6 million, reflecting the harsh realities faced by millions.

Adam Scorer, from National Energy Action, highlighted the desperation behind this rise in energy theft: "It's not a surprise. It's a terrible reality though. It's quite a hidden issue driven by desperation, driven by shame."

A Dangerous Crime

Tampering with energy meters is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. According to Stay Energy Safe, around 280 people are killed or seriously injured each year as a result of energy theft, primarily due to gas leaks caused by tampering. By meddling with meters, energy thieves endanger their neighbours, too.

Despite the risk, gas engineers like Ian Spedding, who has 47 years of experience, report encountering tampered meters "two to three times a year". Given the number of engineers like Ian working across the UK, the true scale of this issue is alarming.

Households Struggling

For many households in the UK, choosing between heating and other essentials has become a daily battle. Sam Holland, a disabled mother of four from Preston, shared her struggle to afford energy. Living on just £140, she rarely turns on the heating, instead choosing to wrap up to stay warm. She relies on the Intact Centre, part of the Warm Spaces programme, to provide a comfortable environment for her two younger children.

Stories like Sam's are increasingly common as more families have to make difficult decisions. The recent announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that winter fuel payments will no longer be universally available to pensioners has raised concerns. Matt Copeland of National Energy Action warned that many pensioners won't be able to get the support they need, with a third of ‘fuel-poor’ households not receiving benefits this winter.

What Can Be Done?

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contacting your supplier as soon as possible is essential. Energy companies are legally required to work with customers to agree on manageable payment plans, including payment breaks, reductions or more time to pay. Additionally, many energy providers offer hardship funds to help those in need.

For consumers in particularly vulnerable situations, such as those with severe medical conditions, it’s important to ask your supplier to add you to the Priority Services Register or the Network Operator Register, which can provide additional support.

The Government has also announced a £150 Warm Home Discount scheme, expected to support three million households starting in October 2024. While this may provide some relief, many believe more comprehensive measures are needed.

A Symptom of the System?

The rise in energy theft in the UK is a clear indication of the desperation felt by many as they struggle to keep their homes warm. While it’s crucial to acknowledge the dangers of energy theft, it’s equally important to understand the circumstances driving people to such extreme measures.

The Government has promised to "fix our broken energy system" by investing in renewable energy and reducing energy bills, but for many, immediate support is needed.

How Can I Save Money on Energy Bills?

With uncertainty over high energy bills and the current state of the UK energy market, consumers are looking for ways to save money on their energy more than ever. At UKPower, we can help you compare gas and electricity suppliers to find the cheapest energy prices, switch to a better deal and cut the cost of your energy bills.

Click here to run an energy price comparison, and see if you could be paying less for your gas and electricity.

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